What is the ISTQB Game Testing (CT-GaMe) Certification?
CT-GaMe is an ISTQB® Specialist certification focused on the understanding and skills needed to perform and manage testing at all levels in game projects. It covers the basic concepts of video and game testing, how to determine risks and goals for gaming software, how to conceptually design, implement and execute game tests, approaches to testing game mechanics, graphics, sound, localisation, and recognising game testing tools.
Prerequisite: To gain CT-GaMe, candidates must hold the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certificate and have sufficient practical experience (criteria are set by Member Boards/exam providers).
CT-GaMe v1.0.1 is the current syllabus version. ISTQB confirms it is part of the Specialist stream, released with sample exam questions/answers and accreditation guidelines, and aligned to the ISTQB Glossary.
Why is the ISTQB Game Testing (CT-GaMe) Certification so popular?
- Purpose-built for game testing: CT-GaMe addresses topics most teams face—mechanics, graphics, sound, levels, controllers, localisation—rather than generic software topics, making it highly relevant in studios and publishers.
- Standardised syllabus from ISTQB: With 6 Business Outcomes and 55 Learning Objectives (v1.0.1), CT-GaMe provides common terminology and expectations, helping teams align practices and reduce quality risk in games.
- Global scheme & portability: ISTQB reports 1.4 million exams administered and over 1,000,000 certifications issued in 130+ countries (May–July 2025), giving CT-GaMe credibility and recognition with hiring managers.
Is the ISTQB Game Testing (CT-GaMe) Certification worth it today?
If you test games—or want to move into game QA—the credential is worth it because it validates knowledge unique to games (e.g., testing gameplay mechanics vs. non-gameplay mechanics; graphics and sound quality; level design testing; controller behaviours). It positions you with a recognised, vendor-neutral standard that studios can trust.
ISTQB notes the release is a “first” dedicated syllabus for game testing in the Specialist stream, and that the content is designed to reduce the risks of insufficient quality in released titles.
Pros of CT-GaMe Certification
Job availability
CT-GaMe is framed for roles across game QA—testers, test analysts, consultants, managers, UAT testers, and video game development roles—and is also relevant for project/product leaders and hardware teams (PCs, consoles, mobile). This breadth indicates widespread applicability in studios and publishers.
CT-GaMe salary potential
ISTQB does not publish salary figures. What CT-GaMe provides is independent validation of game-focused testing skills and a pathway into advanced or adjacent ISTQB modules—factors that typically support progression to higher responsibility. Use the credential to open doors, then let project outcomes and portfolio drive pay.
Global recognition
CT-GaMe sits within the ISTQB Certified Tester scheme, with over 1M certificates awarded and a global network of Member Boards, Accredited Training Providers and Exam Providers—giving you a portable credential across regions.
Career pathways
CT-GaMe complements CTFL and can be followed by Advanced or Specialist modules (e.g., automation, performance, test management, agile technical testing), depending on where you want to specialise (e.g., CI for game builds, automated content checks).
Cons of CT-GaMe Certification
Cost considerations (exam fee in Australia)
In Australia, ANZTB routes bookings to iSQI. You’ll select your country and currency and see pricing in AUD at checkout. Delivery is available remotely (FLEX) or at Pearson VUE test centres; fees vary by provider and are shown when you choose the option.
Evolving industry demands
Modern game delivery often blends daily builds, CI/CD pipelines, live-ops telemetry and platform certifications. CT-GaMe gives foundation-level coverage across core game domains; keeping pace may still require advanced modules or hands-on experience in your studio’s stack. ISTQB’s portfolio provides routes to specialist or advanced topics.
Certification difficulty
CT-GaMe follows ISTQB exam formats for Specialist modules—multiple-choice questions mapped to learning objectives. If you sit the exam in a language that is not your first language, ISTQB allows a 25% time extension (apply via the provider).
Where to begin to get your CT-GaMe Certification
- Meet the prerequisite: Hold CTFL and check any local practical experience criteria with your exam provider.
- Read the syllabus (v1.0.1): Understand the Business Outcomes and Learning Objectives across mechanics, graphics, sound, levels, controllers and localisation.
- Practise with sample questions: Use the official sample exam and answer set to familiarise yourself with question styles and pacing.
- Choose training: ISTQB indicates accredited training is available; some providers align courses to the syllabus. Note the minimum 15 hours 25 minutes instruction guideline for accredited CT-GaMe training.
- Book your exam in Australia: Go via ANZTB → iSQI, select AUD, and choose remote proctor or Pearson VUE centre.
Key topics covered in CT-GaMe
- Specificity of game testing & basics: product risks in game software; typical roles in the game development team; testing activities across the game SDLC.
- Game mechanics testing: types of mechanics (gameplay vs non-gameplay, core vs meta; client/server/client-server), documentation reviews, and approaches at different creation stages.
- Graphics testing: principles of game graphics, artistic/technical/gameplay approaches, execution and tooling.
- Sound testing: sound content features, defect types, testing mixes/music/composition, execution levels, and integration responsibilities.
- Game level testing: level design principles, approaches/execution, tool support.
- Controller testing: controller principles/concepts, approaches to testing inputs and interactions.
- Localisation/testing across languages: coverage is included in the overview of approaches and tools for games testing.
Is a CT-GaMe certificate enough to get a job?
It’s a strong signal that you understand game-specific QA under a recognised standard. ISTQB outlines the target audience spanning testers through managers and associated roles, indicating broad relevance. As with any certification, portfolio work and studio experience (e.g., bug databases, build systems, tooling) will strengthen your application.
Is CT-GaMe worth it in Australia?
Yes—because ISTQB certifications are globally portable, and Australia’s ISTQB member board (ANZTB) provides a local route to exams via iSQI, with remote proctoring and Pearson VUE centres. You’ll see AUD pricing when booking.
Does having a CT-GaMe Certification pay well?
ISTQB and ANZTB do not publish salary tables. CT-GaMe offers independent validation of game-testing skills and a gateway to advanced modules—your role level, studio size, platform mix and shipped quality will influence pay more than the certificate alone.
Is the CT-GaMe exam very difficult?
It’s manageable with preparation. The exam is multiple-choice, aligned to syllabus learning objectives. Practise official samples and study the supporting chapters to build speed and confidence; non-native speakers may apply for a 25% time extension.
Is the CT-GaMe certification stressful?
Any timed exam can be. Practical mitigations:
- Use the official sample paper to rehearse timing and question styles.
- Apply for the non-native language time extension if eligible.
- Choose your preferred delivery mode (remote vs. centre) to suit your environment.
How many fail CT-GaMe?
ISTQB does not publish pass-rate statistics for CT-GaMe. The exam’s pass mark and timing are governed by ISTQB’s structure and rules for Specialist modules; focus on mastering the syllabus and objectives.
The future of networking jobs in Australia (and where CT-GaMe fits)
This section’s title doesn’t directly map to game testing. Rather than speculating about networking jobs, we’ll keep to vendor-verified insights: ISTQB’s global adoption (1M+ certified testers) and continuous portfolio updates indicate a sustained demand for structured testing skills, including in game QA. CT-GaMe gives a portable, standardised foundation you can combine with studio tooling, automation and platform know-how.